What was meant to be a grand celebration of football quickly turned into an unusually long and uncomfortable spectacle as the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw, held in Washington DC, drew widespread criticism. The ceremony, which stretched for nearly three hours, left fans, analysts and former players frustrated — with much of the backlash directed at FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
A ceremony overshadowed by theatrics
The event included Hollywood celebrities, extended video explainers, song-and-dance performances, and an appearance by the President of the United States. What many expected to be a concise football-centric event evolved into a showbiz-heavy production. The first 90 minutes passed without a single World Cup group being announced, leading to growing impatience among viewers worldwide.
Fans took to social media to express displeasure, arguing that the ceremony prioritised entertainment over the sport itself. Many claimed the draw felt more like an awards show than the unveiling of the world’s most prestigious football tournament.
Controversial Peace Prize for Donald Trump
One of the biggest talking points of the night was Infantino presenting the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump. The citation praised Trump for “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace”, a decision that immediately invited backlash.
Critics called the moment politically charged and questioned why FIFA — an organisation that previously restricted political expressions, including during the Qatar 2022 World Cup — would introduce such an award at a sporting event. Football supporters worldwide expressed disbelief at the timing and intent, accusing FIFA of double standards.
Football stars overshadowed by American celebrities
Another sore point for fans was the limited presence of global football legends on stage. Instead, American sporting icons Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Aaron Judge and Wayne Gretzky were brought in to reveal the tournament groups. Many questioned why icons of basketball, baseball and ice hockey were chosen over former football greats.
Supporters argued that the essence of football was lost amid cameo appearances and dramatic presentations. Commentators claimed the event felt scripted and unnecessarily extravagant, overshadowing the importance of the draw itself.
The confirmed FIFA World Cup 2026 groups
Despite the chaotic presentation, the final draw for the expanded 48-team World Cup was eventually revealed. The groups are as follows:
- Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, UEFA Playoff D
- Group B: Canada, UEFA Playoff A, Qatar, Switzerland
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Playoff C
- Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, UEFA Playoff B, Tunisia
- Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
- Group I: France, Senegal, FIFA Playoff 2, Norway
- Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, FIFA Playoff 1, Uzbekistan, Colombia
- Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
Fans question FIFA’s direction under Infantino
Football communities across continents expressed concern over what they described as an increasing commercialisation of the sport’s biggest events. Under Infantino’s leadership, fans say FIFA has drifted away from the simplicity and passion of football, replacing it with political symbolism, celebrity appearances and excessive theatrics.
The irony was not lost on supporters who pointed out that Infantino had steadfastly opposed political gestures during Qatar 2022, yet presided over an overtly political ceremony.
Conclusion
While the FIFA World Cup draw ultimately fulfilled its purpose of determining the groups for 2026, the manner in which it unfolded has triggered an intense global debate. Many believe FIFA must rethink how it presents its flagship events to preserve the sanctity of football. With criticism mounting, the organisation faces renewed pressure to ensure future ceremonies prioritise the sport — not spectacle.